Despite its enduring popularity both in China and worldwide, the Yijing is often poorly understood. As a divinatory text, it has a devoted following in the western hemisphere, even as it represents a foundational text of both Confucianism and Daoism. A fascination with the Yijing has been evident among western scholars since the Enlightenment, as well as in notable modern literary and artistic figures. This book provides an introduction for the general reader to this classic sacred text. Joseph A. Adler explains its multi-layered structure, its origins, its history of interpretation from the early first millennium BCE up to the present day, its function of divination, its significance in the history of Chinese thought, and its modern transformations. He explores why the Yijing has been considered the most profound expression of traditional Chinese thought and what meaning it can have for contemporary readers.

About the Author
Joseph A. Adler received his Ph.D. in Religious Studies from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1984, with a dissertation on Zhu Xi's understanding of the Yijing. Most of his work has focused on the religious dimensions of Neo-Confucianism in China. Since his retirement from teaching at Kenyon College in 2014 he has continued to reside in Gambier, Ohio.

Reviews
An invaluable book for college classes related to Chinese studies, as well as comparative religion, anthropology, philosophy, and literature. Students of allied arts such as Chinese medicine and martial arts will appreciate Adler's treating theory and practice as being equally important; the Yijing is not just an academic pursuit. * Contemplating the I Ching *
This is the best summary in any Western language of the origins, structure, evolution, cultural significance, and transnational travels of the Yijing (Scripture of Change), one of the most important texts in all of Chinese history. * Richard J. Smith, Rice University *
Taking a culturally comparative perspective, Adler does a superb job of demonstrating how "The Yijing represents the 'essence' of Chinese culture". * Choice *
It not only offers an excellent introduction to the Yijing itself and would prevent new students from adopting misunderstandings pertaining to the text, it also gives the reader a strong introduction to the wider religious landscape that the Yijing has historically shaped and been shaped by. * Joseph Chadwin, Religious Studies Review *



Book Information
ISBN 9780190072469
Author Joseph A. Adler
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Dimensions(mm) 142mm * 219mm * 14mm